Date: 5/24/04
Starting Location: Blackburn AT Center
Destination: Harper’s Ferry Hostel
Miles: 14.2
Total Miles: 1019.6
Little tired this morning after yesterday’s long hot day through the Rollercoaster, but it feels great to move on to Harper’s Ferry. For the first time, I really feel as though I’ve gotten somewhere seeing the big Shenandoah River for the first time and later in the day crossing the Potomac River.
I spent most of the day at the ATC headquarters enjoying the air-conditioning, having my picture taken outside by the staff (I’m thru-hiker #126 for the year!), and reading through some books. Footloose and I made a quick stop at the outfitter where I replaced my now pancake-flat Z-rest with a new one before moving on for a burger or two. Just a nice stroll down the canal tow path alongside the Potomac to the hostel where I’m tenting outside on the nice grassy lawn.
It felt great to pass through such a historic trail milestone and to cross the 1000-mile mark on the same day, but it’s the first time I can actually remember being a bit down. It’s tough to process somehow that everything you’ve given so far, over 1000 miles of hiking, doesn’t even amount to half way. But, it’s a new state here in Maryland and tomorrow’s a new day.
